Systems and methods for a frame hanging device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a hanging device including slides configured to align the hanging device at desired positions with the frame and on a wall. Embodiments may be configured to be aligned with a frame in both horizontal and vertical directions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 toProvisional Application No. 62/071,443 filed on Sep. 24, 2014 and acontinuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/859,413, which are fully incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Field of the Disclosure

Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methodsfor a device configured to be utilized to hang a device. Moreparticularly, embodiments relate to a frame hanging device withintegrated hangers, wherein the frame hanging device includes slides toalign the integrated hangers for the frame at desired vertical andhorizontal positions.

Background

It is extremely difficult to hang a framed picture or item at a desiredposition on a wall. When hanging a framed picture or item on a wall, itis an arduous task to determine the correct placement of the nails orhanging devices in relation to the frame to produce a properorientation. As a result, hung frames typically rest askew from thedesired position, are not located in a desired position, etc.Accordingly, one must reposition the nails or hanging devices and startover. This may lead to holes being positioned within the wall.

Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems andmethods for a frame hanging device including slides configured to alignthe integrated hangers at desired positions on a wall.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a framehanging device. The frame hanging device may include slides configuredto vertically and horizontally align the frame hanging device at adesired position on a wall. The hanging device may be configured toplace pictures, images, frames, objects, etc. (referred to hereinafterindividually and collectively as “frame”) precisely where intended on awall or support with a minimum of steps and limited measurements.

Embodiments may include a reusable measuring tool and integratedhangers. The reusable tool may include a horizontal measuring tool and avertical measuring tool, which enable the alignment of the integratedhangers to the frame and wall. The vertical measuring tool may beconfigured to align the integrated hangers at a desired vertical offseton an axis, which may be based on a wire associated with the frame.

In embodiments, the integrated hangers may be configured to be removablycoupled with the frame hanging device. The integrated hangers may becoupled with the frame hanging device while positioning the framehanging device on the frame and wall. Responsive to determining adesired positioning of the integrated hangers, the integrated hangersmay be secured to the wall, and the frame hanging device may linearlyslide away from the integrated hangers so that the integrated hangersare decoupled from the frame hanging device and positioned at thedesired location at a wall.

In embodiments, after hanging the frame with the integrated hangers onthe wall, a new set of integrated hangers may be coupled with thereusable measuring tool. Accordingly, a second frame may be hungutilizing the second set of integrated hangers and the reusablemeasuring tool.

In embodiments, the horizontal measuring tool may include a plurality ofslides, wherein the slides are configured to move in a liner direction.The scales on an inner and outer slide may be unique, and enable thehorizontal self-centering of the reusable measuring tool with respect tothe frame as well as the precise alignment of the frame horizontally onthe wall.

In embodiments, when the outer slide is aligned with a left edge of theback of the frame, the upper scale on each slide may be utilized todetermine the distance beyond the right edge of the reusable measuringtool to the right edge of the frame. The upper scales on each slide maybe marked from right to left in units, such as inches. The lower scaleson each slide are marked from right to left with units that are twicethe size of the units on the upper half of the rule. For example, aninner slide may have an upper scale from right to left that is markedfrom one to twelve units. The lower scale on the outer slide may bemarked from right to left with units that are separated by twice thedistance as the units on the upper scale, which may be from one to sixunits. In other embodiments, the lower scales may be any desiredmultiple or fractions of the units on the upper half of the rule.

In embodiments, the scales on the outer slide may include an upper scalethat is marked from right to left from 12 to 24 units, and the lowerscale with scales marked from right to left from 6 to 12 units. Theunique scale markings on the slides may be utilized to find the centerof the dimension on the upper scale by reading the correspondingdimension on the lower scale.

For example, a first side of an outer slide may be aligned with the leftside of the back of the frame and a second side of an inner slide may beextended within the outer slide to align with the right edge of theframe. The right edge of the frame may be 3 units from the second edgeof outer slide, which may be indicated on the upper scale of theextended inner slide. The exact distance to the center of the space fromthe second edge of the outer slide to the second edge of the picture maybe indicated on the lower scale on inner slide, which may be 1.5 inches.This measuring on the outer slide may be half of the units on the upperscale inner slide and is displayed on the scale making it unnecessary toperform calculations.

Next, the inner slide may be slid back into the outer slide until thedimension on the upper scale on the inner slide matches the originalmeasuring on the lower scale of the inner slide, namely 1.5 inches. Inembodiments, the outer slide may be precisely centered within the widthof the frame by aligning the edge of the inner slide with the right edgeof the frame. Thus, embodiments can be precisely centered horizontallywith respect to the back of the frame using this process with noexternal measurements.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciatedand understood when considered in conjunction with the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings. The following description,while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerousspecific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not oflimitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions orrearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and theinvention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions orrearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a frame hanging device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of a frame hanging device, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a frame hanging device, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a back view of a frame hanging device, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a method for aligning integrated hanging devices with anaxis of a frame, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a method for aligning integrated hanging devices with anaxis of a frame, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a first integrated hanging device, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a reusable hanging device, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a second side view of a reusable hanging device,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts integrated hanging devices, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts a long unified hanger coupled to a reusable hangingdevice, according an embodiment.

FIG. 12 depicts a long unified hanger coupled to a reusable hangingdevice, according an embodiment.

FIG. 13 depicts a short unified hanger coupled to a reusable hangingdevice, according an embodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts a front-right side view of a reusable measuring tool,according an embodiment.

FIG. 15 depicts a reusable measuring tool, according an embodiment.

FIG. 16 depicts a front-right side view of a reusable measuring tool,according an embodiment.

FIG. 17 depicts a reusable measuring tool, according an embodiment.

FIG. 18 depicts functions of the slide stops, according an embodiment.

FIG. 19 depicts functions of the slide stops, according an embodiment.

FIG. 20 depicts functions of the slide stops, according an embodiment.

FIG. 21 depicts an end view various interfaces to couple a reusablehanging tool 100 with a hanging device, according an embodiment.

FIG. 22 depicts a frame hanging device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 depicts a RUMT/Hanger horizontally aligned with the back of apicture, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24 depicts a RUMT/Hanger after a hanging wire has been strung overthe angled slots, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 25 depicts a RUMT/Hanger after a VMT is pushed up to align with thetop of a picture, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 26 depicts a RUMT/Hanger aligned on a wall, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 27 depicts a hanger aligned on a wall, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 28 depicts a frame mounted on the wall, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 29 depicts a cross section of the reusable measuring too, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 30 depicts a vertical measuring tool that is configured to enablepositioning hanger wires over the grooves in hangers, according to anembodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans willappreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicityand clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help to improve understanding of variousembodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understoodelements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasibleembodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a lessobstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. Itwill be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art thatthe specific detail need not be employed to practice the presentembodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods havenot been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the presentembodiments.

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a hangingdevice including slides configured to align the hanging device atdesired positions with the frame and on a wall. Embodiments may beconfigured to be aligned with a frame in both horizontal and verticaldirections.

Turning now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 depicts a frame hanging device 100,according to an embodiment. Frame hanging device 100 may include areusable measuring tool 110, a horizontal measuring tool 120, a verticalmeasuring tool 130, a first integrated hanger 140, a second integratedhanger 142, and a level 150.

Reusable measuring tool 110 may be a housing, base, device, etc. that isconfigured to couple with and house the other elements of frame hangingdevice 100. Reusable measuring tool 110 may be configured to temporalitycouple with first integrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142before first integrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 arecoupled with a wall and a frame.

Horizontal measuring tool 120 may be a device that is configured todetermine a center of the horizontal axis of the frame, such that firstintegrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 are a first givendistance and a second distance from the center of the horizontal axis ofthe frame. Horizontal measuring tool 120 may include inner slide 122 andslide 124, wherein the first distance and the second distance may be thesame distance or different distances.

Inner slide 122 and outer slide 124 may be slides, rulers, etc. that areconfigured to slide out and extend away from a second side 114 ofreusable measuring tool 110, and slide into a second side 114 ofreusable measuring tool 110. Outer slide 124 may be configured to slidewithin reusable measuring tool 110, and inner slide 122 may beconfigured to slide within outer slide 124. Alone, inner slide 122 maybe configured for horizontal alignment of frames having a length below acertain threshold, for example twenty four inches. For wider frames,inner slide 122 may be configured to be extended within outer slide 124,and outer slide 124 may also be extended. In embodiments, lockingmechanisms may be utilized to allow inner slide 122 and/or outer slide124 to move or be locked in place. For example, responsive to lockinginner slide 122 and/or outer slide 124, the slides may not be able tomove. Responsive to unlocking inner slide 122 and/or outer slide 124,the slides may be able to move.

In embodiments, a first side 112 of reusable measuring tool 110 may beconfigured to align with a first edge or sidewall of a frame. Then,inner slide 122 may be moved such that the extended end of inner slide122 is aligned with a second edge or sidewall of the frame. With innerslide 122 being extended, a user may determine the distance that theextended end of inner slide 122 extends away from second side 114 ofreusable measuring tool 110. A mark may be made with a writing utensilon the wall surface at a location of the extended end of inner slide 122to indicate the location of side edge of the frame on the wall. Next,the reusable measuring tool 110 may be moved to a position such thatsecond side 114 of reusable measuring tool 110 is positioned half of theoriginal distance that inner slide 122 moved to be aligned with thesecond end of the frame.

In embodiments, the scales on the inner slide 122 and outer slide 124may be unique and they enable the horizontal self-centering of thereusable measuring tool 110 with respect to the frame as well as theprecise alignment of the frame horizontally on the wall. In embodiments,when the outer slide 124 may be aligned with the left edge of the backof the frame, the upper scale on each slide may be moved to measure thedistance beyond the right edge of the reusable measuring tool to theright edge of the frame. The upper scales on each slide may be markedfrom right to left in units, such as inches. The lower scales on eachslide may be marked from right to left with units that are twice thesize of the units on the upper half of the slide.

Vertical measuring tool 130 may be a device that is configured todetermine a vertical offset of a desired position to place firstintegrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 on a wall.Vertical measuring tool 130 may be inserted into a slot, wherein theslot is a channel extending from a top surface of reusable measuringtool 110 to a bottom surface of reusable measuring 110.

In embodiments, when vertical measuring tool 130 is positioned withinthe slot, the sidewalls of the slot may apply pressure to the verticalmeasuring tool 130 to secure vertical measuring tool 130 in place.However, the pressure applied to vertical measuring tool 130 by thesidewalls may be overcome by a user vertically moving vertical measuringtool 130. Therefore, vertical measuring tool 130 may slide verticallywithin the slot to adjust the positioning of vertical measuring tool130, or vertical measuring tool 130 may be slid out of the slot when notin use.

Responsive to coupling a wire associated with the frame on firstintegrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142, verticalmeasuring tool 130 may be extended such that a top surface of thevertical measuring tool 130 aligns with a top edge of the frame. Inembodiments, vertical measuring tool 130 may align with the top edge ofthe frame when the wire is taut while coupled with first integratedhanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142. A mark may be made with awriting utensil on the wall surface on the top surface of verticalmeasuring tool to indicate the location of the top edge of the frame onthe wall.

In embodiments, a user may determine the desired position of a frame onthe wall, and then align the reusable measuring tool 110 and firstintegrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 with the desiredmarks on the wall.

First integrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 may bedevices that are configured to be removably coupled with reusablemeasuring tool 110. First integrated hanger 140 and second integratedhanger 142 may be configured to be positioned on an upper edge and/or alower edge of reusable measuring tool 110. First integrated hanger 140and second integrated hanger 142 may be evenly positioned apart from avertical axis of reusable measuring tool 110, wherein reusable measuringtool 110 may include a plurality of slots to receive the integratedhangers 140, 142 for various sized frames.

In embodiments, when aligning reusable measuring tool 110, firstintegrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 may be coupled toreusable measuring tool. When reusable measuring tool is positionedalong a linear axis of the frame at a desired vertical offset, reusablemeasuring tool 110 may be slid along the linear axis to decouple firstintegrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142. First integratedhanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 may each include an orifice144. Orifice 144 may extend through first integrated hanger 140 orsecond integrated hanger 142 such that a hanging device (i.e. nail,screw, etc.) may be inserted through orifice 144. In embodiments,orifice 144 may be positioned within first integrated hanger 140 orsecond integrated hanger at an angle with respect to the wall, which mayenable better support of frame hanging device 100 on the wall.

Level 150 may be a device that is configured to determine a levelplacement of reusable measuring tool 110. In embodiments, level 150 maybe configured to indicate a horizontal plane, wherein level 150 mayinclude a bubble of air inside a vial encased with liquid. Level 150 mayinclude hashes, marks, lines, etc., wherein when the bubble of air ispositioned within the hashes, reusable measuring tool 110 may behorizontal with a floor surface. In further embodiments, level 150 mayinclude a horizontal level and a vertical level, wherein the verticallevel may be configured to determine when reusable measuring tool 110 isperpendicular to the floor surface.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of frame hanging device 100, according to anembodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 2 may be described elsewhere.Therefore, for the sake of brevity another description of these elementsis omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 2, vertical measuring tool 130 may be removablecoupled within reusable measuring tool 110 via channel 210. Channel 210may be configured to apply pressure to vertical measuring tool 130, suchthat vertical measuring tool 130 may not slide within channel 210 unlessa user applied force to vertical measuring tool 130.

Positioned adjacent to a first side of both first integrated hanger 140and second integrated hanger 142 may be a stop 220. The stop 220 may beconfigured to limit, reduce, etc. the linear movement of firstintegrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 in a first lineardirection. Furthermore, stop 220 may be utilized to limit reduce, etc.movement of reusable measuring device 110 in a second direction whenfirst integrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 are coupledto a wall surface.

However, a stop may not be positioned on a second side of firstintegrated hanger 140 or second integrated hanger 142. Accordingly,first integrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 may freelymove in the second linear direction. Furthermore, on the second side offirst integrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger 142 may be anopening allowing first integrated hanger 140 and second integratedhanger 142 to be inserted into or decoupled from reusable measuringtool. This may enable first integrated hanger 140 and second integratedhanger 142 to be removably coupled and decoupled with reusable measuringtool 110.

Responsive to securing first integrated hanger 140 and second integratedhanger 142 to a wall surface via a hanging device being inserted throughorifices 144, reusable measuring tool 110 may be slid in the firstlinear direction. When reusable measuring tool 110 is slid, the forceapplied by nails, screws, mounts, etc. to first integrated hanger 140and second integrated hanger 142 may secure first integrated hanger 140and second integrated hanger 142 to a wall. The movement of reusablemeasuring tool 110 may align the openings with first integrated hanger140 and second integrated hanger 142 allowing first integrated hanger140 and second integrated hanger 142 to be decoupled from reusablemeasuring tool 110. However, if reusable measuring tool 110 is slid inthe second linear direction when first integrated hanger 140 and secondintegrated hanger 142 are secured to the wall, then stops 220 may limitthe movement of reusable measuring tool 110.

Accordingly, first integrated hanger 140 and second integrated hanger142 may be configured to initially slide into reusable measuring tool110 and align with reusable measuring tool 110 via stops 220. After themeasurements are made to position first integrated hanger 140 and secondintegrated hanger 142, and the first integrated hanger 140 and secondintegrated hanger 142 are attached to the wall, first integrated hanger140 and second integrated hanger 142 slide out of the reusable measuringtool 110 and remain attached to the wall to support a frame. In furtherembodiments, reusable measuring tool 110 may only include a singleintegrated hanger that may be positioned in the center of reusablemeasuring tool 110, and may be used to hang simple and/or light frames.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of frame hanging device 100, according to anembodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 3 may be described elsewhere.Therefore, for the sake of brevity another description of these elementsis omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 3, reusable measuring tool 110 may include differentslots configured to receive vertical measuring tool 130 and firstintegrated hanger 140. In embodiments, the positioning of secondintegrated hanger 142 may remain constant, which may be adjacent to thesecond side of reusable measuring tool 110. Utilizing the differentslots receiving vertical measuring tool 130 and first integrated hanger140, reusable measuring tool 110 may be used to hang different sizedframes.

FIG. 4 depicts a back view of frame hanging device 100, according to anembodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 4 may be described elsewhere.Therefore, for the sake of brevity another description of these elementsis omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 4, slot 410 may be configured to receive verticalmeasuring tool 130, wherein slot 410 may be more proximate to the secondside of reusable measuring tool 110 than slot 210 depicted in FIG. 2.

Additionally depicted in FIG. 4, is stop 420. Stop 420 may be configuredto limit the movement of first integrated hanger 140 in a first lineardirection. Stop 420 may be positioned more proximate to the second sideof reusable measuring tool 110 than stop 220 depicted in FIG. 2.

In embodiments, a distance between an edge of slot 410 and a proximalsidewall of first integrated hanger 140, when a distal sidewall of firstintegrated hanger 140 is positioned adjacent to stop 220, may be atleast the length of first integrated hanger 140. Accordingly, when firstintegrated hanger 140 is coupled to a wall and reusable measuring tool110 is slid in the first direction, first integrated hanger 140 may beslid out of an orifice positioned between the edge of slot 410 and thedistal sidewall of first integrated hanger 140.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for aligning integrated hanging deviceswith an axis of a frame. The operations of method 500 presented beloware intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 500 may beaccomplished with one or more additional operations not described,and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally,the order in which the operations of method 500 are illustrated in FIG.5 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

At operation 510, a first side of reusable measuring tool 110 may bealigned with a first edge of a frame. In embodiments, outer slide 124may be locked in place via a locking mechanism 125. If locking mechanism125 is rotated in a first direction then locking mechanism 125 maysecure outer slide 124 in a fixed position. If locking mechanism 125 isrotated in a second direction then outer slide 124 may be able to slidein and out of reusable measuring tool 110. Locking mechanism 123 may beconfigured to control the linear movement of inner slide 122. If lockingmechanism 123 is rotated in a first direction then locking mechanism 123may secure inner slide 122 in a fixed position. If locking mechanism 123is rotated in a second direction then inner slide 122 may be able toslide in and out of reusable measuring tool 110. At operation 510,locking mechanism 123 may be disengaged with inner slide 122 allowing asecond end of inner slide 122 to align with a second end of the frame.As depicted at operation 510 a first distance 512 between the second endof slide 124 and the second end of inner slide 124 may be three inches.In embodiments, the first distance 512 may be a measurement depicted onan upper edge of inner slide 122. For example, first distance 512 may bethree inches.

At operation 520, when the second end of inner slide 122 is aligned withthe second end of the frame, a second distance 520 may be determined.The second distance may be determined based on a measurement depicted ona lower edge of inner slide 122, wherein the second distance 520 is halfof the first distance. For example, the second distance 520 may be oneand a half inches.

At operation 530, locking mechanism 123 may disengage with inner slide122, which may allow inner slide 122 to linearly move. Inner slide 122may be configured to move inward the second distance. In embodiments,inner slide 122 may be moved inward the second distance until themeasurement depicted on the upper edge of inner slide 122 aligns withthe second end of reusable measuring tool 110. Responsive to aligningthe measurement of the second distance on the upper edge of inner slide122 with the second end of reusable measuring tool 110, lockingmechanism 123 may engage with inner slide 122 to lock inner slide inplace. In embodiments, locking mechanism 123 may be locking devices thatsecure the slides in place unless they are pushed.

At operation 540, the second end of inner slide 122 may be aligned withthe second edge of the frame. Responsive to aligning the second end ofinner slide 122 with the second edge of the frame, the distance 550between the first edge of the frame and the first side of reusablemeasuring tool 110 and the distance 550 between the second edge of theframe and the second side of reusable measuring tool 110 should beequal. Therefore, the center of reusable measuring tool 110 should beperfectly centered horizontally across the frame.

FIG. 6 depicts a method 600 for aligning integrated hanging devices withan axis of a frame. The operations of method 600 presented below areintended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 600 may beaccomplished with one or more additional operations not described,and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally,the order in which the operations of method 600 are illustrated in FIG.6 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

Steps depicted in FIG. 6 may be somewhat similar to those depicted inFIG. 5. However, in method 600, inner slide 122 may be fully extended,which may require outer slide 124 to extend away from the second side ofreusable measuring tool 110. As depicted in FIG. 6, to have first sideof reusable measuring tool 110 aligned with the first end of the frameand the second side of inner slide 122 aligned with the second end ofthe frame, it is required that outer slide 124 extend away from thesecond side of reusable measuring tool. In FIG. 6, a first distance maybe measured on the upper edge of inner slide 122 and outer slide 124,and a second distance may be indicated on the lower edge of inner slide122 and/or outer slide 124 when first end of the frame and the secondside of inner slide 122 are aligned. Then, outer slide 124 and/or innerslide 122 may be retracted within reusable measuring tool until thesecond measurement is indicated on the upper edge of outer slide 124and/or inner slide 122. Next, second measurement is indicated on theupper edge of outer slide 124 and/or inner slide 122, the second end ofinner slide 122 may be moved to align with the second edge of the frame.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of first integrated hanging device 140.Elements depicted in FIG. 7 may be described elsewhere. Therefore, forthe sake of brevity another description of these elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 7, first integrated hanging device 140 may includeshelf 710. Shelf 710 may be a channel, groove, slot, etc. that extendsfrom a first side of first integrated hanging device 140 to a secondside of first integrated hanging device. Shelf 710 may be configured toreceive a wire of a frame, wherein when the wire is coupled to shelf 710a desired vertical offset of reusable measuring tool 110 may bedetermined. When first integrated hanging device 140 is coupled withreusable measuring tool 110, shelf 710 may protrude through a slotwithin reusable measuring tool 110. In embodiments, the frame wire maybe placed on shelf 710, and the frame wire may be taut. When the framewire is taut, the vertical offset of the reusable measuring tool 110 maybe determined.

Additionally, first integrated hanging device 140 may include aplurality of holes 722, 724, 726. Each of the plurality of holes 722,724, 726 may have a smaller diameter than that of orifice 144, whereinorifice 144 may be configured to receive a screw while holes 722, 724,726 may be configured to receive nails. In embodiments, holes 722 and724 may be evenly spaced apart from orifice 144, and may extend throughfirst integrated hanging device in a direction that is parallel tooffice 144. Hole 726 may be positioned above orifice 144 and may extendthrough first integrated hanging device 140 at an angle.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of reusable hanging device 110, according toan embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 8 may be described elsewhere.Therefore, for the sake of brevity another description of these elementsis omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the first side 112 of reusable hanging device 110does not include a stop. Therefore, first integrated hanging device 140may be able to be slide into a sidewall of reusable hanging device viaan opening on the sidewall. First side 112 of reusable hanging device110 may include a notch 140 that is configured to receive shelf 710 toremovably couple first integrated hanging device 140 and reusablehanging device 110. In embodiments, notch 810 may be shaped to beinserted and received by shelf 710.

First integrated hanging device 140 may also include a projection 820positioned on a front surface of first integrated hanging device 140,wherein projection 820 is configured to simulate shelf 710 when notch810 is inserted into shelf 710. Projection 820 may be aligned at thesame vertical height as shelf 710, such that a wire may be positionedover projection 820, and be pulled taut to align a frame vertically.Projection 820 may be designed to be placed at the same verticalposition as shelf 710 so that when first integrated hanging device 140is decoupled from reusable hanging device 110. Shelf 710 may bepositioned at the same vertical height as projection 820. Incorporatingprojection 820 on reusable hanging device 140 may simplify the design ofreusable hanging device 140 and/or first integrated hanging device 140.

FIG. 9 depicts a second side view of reusable hanging device 110,according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 9 may be describedelsewhere. Therefore, for the sake of brevity another description ofthese elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 9, second side 114 of reusable hanging device 110may include a stop 220. Stop 220 may be configured to limit the movementof second integrated hanging device 142 in a second direction.Accordingly, when a sidewall of second integrated hanging device 142 ispositioned adjacent to stop 220, then second integrated hanging device140 may no longer be able to move in the second linear direction withinreusable hanging device 110. Stop 220 may be configured to cover, block,etc. a portion of second integrated hanging device 142. In embodiments,a stop 220 may be positioned on a corresponding sidewall on firstintegrated hanging device 140.

FIG. 10 depicts integrated hanging devices 1000, according toembodiments. Elements depicted in FIG. 10 may be described elsewhere.Therefore, for the sake of brevity another description of these elementsis omitted. More specifically, FIG. 10 depicts first integrated hanger140, second integrated hanger 142, short unified hanger 1010, and longunified hanger 1020.

Each of the different types of hangers 140, 1010, 1020 may be configuredto be removably coupled to the same reusable hanging device 110. Inembodiments, first integrated hanging device 140 and second integratedhanging device 142 may be configured to be individually inserted intoreusable hanging device 110 at different times with no interconnectingshaft. Accordingly, first integrated hanging device 140 and secondintegrated hanging device 142 may be positioned at various, non-fixed,distances from each other.

Alternatively, a first end of short unified hanger 1010 and a second endof short unified hanger 1010 may be coupled together via shaft 1012, anda first end of long unified hanger 1020 and a second end of long unifiedhanger 1020 may be coupled together via shaft 1014. Based on thedifferent lengths of shafts 1012 and 1014, different hanging devices1000 may be used in combination with reusable hanging device 110.

In essence, first integrated hanging device 140 and second integratedhanging device 142 may be the ends of the short unified hanger 1010 orlong unified hanger 1020 with built in nail and screw holes to supportthe frame on the wall.

Additionally as depicted in FIG. 10, when the hanging devices 1000 areattached to the wall may is easier to drape the hanger wire from theframe over the shelves in the first integrated hanging device 140 andsecond integrated hanging device 142 compared to draping the hanger wireover the shelves in the short unified hanger 1010 or long unified hanger1020 since there are no restrictions for the hanger wire to the sides ofthe shelves in the hanging device 140 and second integrated hangingdevice 142 as there are in the short unified hanger 1010 or long unifiedhanger 1020.

FIG. 11 depicts a long unified hanger 1020 coupled to reusable hangingdevice 110, according an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 11 may bedescribed elsewhere. Therefore, for the sake of brevity anotherdescription of these elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 11, adjacent to corresponding sidewalls of longunified hanger 1020 may be corresponding stops 220. The stops may beconfigured to limit movement of long unified hanger 1020 in a firstlinear direction. In embodiments, once long unified hanger 1020 iscoupled to a wall, reusable hanging device 110 may be slid in a firstdirection. When a hanger portion of long unified hanger 1020 aligns withslot 1110, long unified hanger 1020 may be decoupled from reusablehanging device 110. In embodiments, slot 1110 may be positioned adjacentto a second end of long unified hanger 1020 when the second end of longunified hanger 1020 is positioned adjacent to stop 220.

Furthermore, reusable hanging tool 110 may include detents 1130. Detents1130 may be configured to allow the inner and outer slides to slide withcontrol in the reusable hanging tool 110 to lock the slides in place.Reusable hanging tool 110 may also include holders 1120 to store thevertical measuring tool 1030 when not in use. The slots 1110 in the endsand middle part of the reusable hanging tool 110 enable connection ofthe long unified hanger 1020. In embodiments, long unified hanger 1020may have a smooth back for accommodating sticky material to adhere theHanger to the wall without nails or screws.

FIG. 12 depicts a long unified hanger 1020 coupled to reusable hangingdevice 110, according an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 11 may bedescribed elsewhere. Therefore, for the sake of brevity anotherdescription of these elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 12, reusable hanging device 110 may include aplurality of hanger connectors 1210, which are configured to removablecouple hanging devices with reusable hanging tool 110. In embodiments,the ends of the hangers may be thicker and fit into connectors 1210. Thehanger may have holes to securely attach the hanger to the wall withnails at an angle as well as nail or screw holes perpendicular to thehanger.

FIG. 13 depicts a short unified hanger 1010 coupled to reusable hangingdevice 110, according an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 13 may bedescribed elsewhere. Therefore, for the sake of brevity anotherdescription of these elements is omitted.

Short unified hanger 1010 may be configured to utilize uses the hangerconnectors 1210 on the end and middle of the reusable hanging tool 110.The vertical measuring tool may use the vertical slots on the back ofthe reusable hanging tool 110 closer to the end to enable an easiervertical alignment of the hanging devices on narrower frames.

FIGS. 14-16 depicts details of mechanisms that are used to stop theslides in the reusable measuring tool 110 at their extreme leftmost orrightmost positions to contain them within the reusable measuring tool110.

FIG. 14 depicts the front-right side view of reusable measuring tool110. In FIG. 14 the dashed box area 95 of the front-side view is rotatedclockwise to provide the horizontal front-right end view of the innerand outer slides 122, 124 in the reusable measuring tool 110. The angledside walls 65 of inner slide 130 keep it secure in outer slide 124. Thebottom of inner slide 122 is surface 66. Similarly, the angled sidewalls 62 of outer slide 124 keep it secure in the reusable measuringtool 110. The bottom surface of 122 is 63. The thicknesses of 124, 122and 110 are nominally ⅛ inch, ¼ inch and ⅜ inch respectively, as anexample.

In FIG. 15 the end view of FIG. 14 is shown in cross section A-A alongthe length of the rulers. Cavities 67 and 69 at each end of the bottomsurface of inner slide 122 are shown in the end view FIG. 14 and the A-Aside view of FIG. 15 and will serve to stop inner slide 122 at itsleft-most and rightmost excursions. Cavity 68 in the top surface of theouter slide 120 is shown in the end view of FIG. 18a and the side viewFIG. 15 and contains the springy stop structure 80 shown in the detailin FIG. 16. The stop structure 80 can be metal or another suitablematerial which is springy and able to flex repeatedly. As shown in thetop and side views of FIG. 17 the stop structure 80 include of a thinrectangular or oval shaped material with cutouts 81 and 82 that can popup when not held down. The stop structure 80 is held in cavity 68vertically by pressing against the bottom of 124 and laterally by itssnug fitting into cavity 68. In FIG. 16 the cutout 81 is shown popped upand pressing against the end of cavity 67 in 124. In FIG. 16 slide 234cannot be slid to the right in the figure and the stop mechanismcomprised of 80, 81, 67 and 68 establishes the rightmost travel of 124.

FIGS. 18-20 depict the functions of the slide stops, according anembodiment. FIG. 18-20 depict the cross sections as viewed from the topof the reusable measuring tool 110, so that movements to the left inFIGS. 18-20 represent movements along a linear path. Elements depictedin FIGS. 18-20 may be described elsewhere. Therefore, for the sake ofbrevity another description of these elements is omitted.

FIG. 18 depicts inner slide 122 and outer slide 124 at their furthestright positions within slide 122 and reusable measuring tool 110,respectively. FIG. 18 depicts both slides being fully withdrawn to theleft into reusable measuring tool 110. Starting from the slide positionsin FIG. 18, FIG. 19 depicts inner slide 122 having been moved by theforce 2000 to the left. In FIG. 19, cutout 81 has been pushed below thesurface of cavity 68 by the bottom surface of slide 122 which is free tocontinue moving to the left in the figure. As shown in FIG. 20,continuing to push slide 122 to the left with force 2000 may cause slide122 to stop at its left-most travel in the figure because cutout 82 haspopped up and presses the end of cavity 69. Thus, the stop mechanismcomprising 80, 81, 82, 67, 68 and 69 may establish the extreme leftmostposition of 124 in FIG. 18 and the extreme rightmost position of slide122 in FIG. 18.

In a similar fashion, the slide stop mechanism comprised of stopstructure 90, 91, 92 and cavity 78 in reusable measuring tool 110 andcavities 77 and 79 in outer slide 124 perform the same functions as justdescribed and establish the leftmost and rightmost travel limits forouter slide 124 in reusable measuring tool 110. Of course, the sametechniques can be used for more or fewer sliding rules within reusablemeasuring tool 110.

FIG. 21 depicts an end view various interfaces to couple a reusablehanging tool 100 with a hanging device 140 coupled to reusable hangingdevice 110, according an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 21 may bedescribed elsewhere. Therefore, for the sake of brevity anotherdescription of these elements is omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 21, reusable hanging tool 100 may have a pluralityor projections 2100, 2110, 2120, 2130, wherein the plurality ofprojections are configured to be slide into a groove on reusable hangingdevice. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any desiredinterface may be used to couple reusable hanging tool 110 with hangingdevice 140.

FIG. 22 depicts a frame hanging device 2200, according to an embodiment.Elements depicted in FIG. 22 may be described elsewhere. Therefore, forthe sake of brevity another description of these elements is omitted.

Frame hanging device 2200 may be comprised of Reusable Measuring Tool(RUMT) 2201 and a hanger 2202, which may be nominally the same thicknessand length so that when joined, they appear as a unified piece. Thelengths of the frame hanging device 2200 may be made in various sizes toaccommodate the various widths of the variety of pictures that are to behung. For example, the frame hanging device 2200 may be approximately 13inches long with each of the internal rules being about 12 inches longwhen fully extended.

In embodiments, RUMT 2201 may couple with the hanger 2202 during thealignment and picture-hanging process. A variety of techniques can beused for the temporary connections. For example, a sliding dovetailjoint may be utilized to couple RUMT 2201 and hanger 2202. The body ofthe RUMT 2201 may couple the hanger 2202 with the tails 2152 and 2151that are located at the bottom of the RUMT 2201. Tails 2152 and 2151 mayslide into the slots 2252 and 251 in the top of the hanger 2202. Toconnect the RUMT 2201 to the hanger 2202, the tail 2152 is aligned withand dropped into the non tapered slot 2254 while the tail 2151 overhangsthe hanger 2202 to the right front. The RUMT 2201 is then slid to thefront left so that tail 2152 slides into slot 2252 and tail 2151 slidesinto slot 2251. The left end of 2251 stops the further travel of RUMT2201. By sliding the RUMT 2201 to the left front as far as it will go,the RUMT and hanger 2202 are joined as one piece.

The RUMT 2201 may include internal measuring tools that enable thealignment of the hanger 2202 to the picture and the picture to itsintended place on the wall. Such tools include one or more rulers orrules that slide out from the front right side of the RUMT 2201. Forexample, RUMT 2201 may include two sliding rules, the inner rule 122 andthe outer rule 124. Outer rule 124 slides within the RUMT 2201 and innerrule 122 slides within outer rule 124. Used alone, the inner rule 122 isfor horizontal alignment on pictures whose widths are below a certaindimension, for example 24 inches. For wider pictures, the inner rule 122is extended its full travel within the outer rule 124, and the outerrule 124 is extended up to its full travel within the RUMT 2201. So fora Picture-Hanging Device approximately 12 inches long, the hangingdevice 2200 can align horizontally along the width of a frame that isapproximately 12 inches to approximately 36 inches in width, which issum of the RUMT 2201 length plus the inner rule full extension lengthplus the outer rule full extension length. Of course, more than tworules can be embedded within the RUMT 2201 to continue to extend thehorizontal dimensions. In addition, hanging device 2200 can be made toaccommodate a spectrum of picture widths from quite narrow to quite widepictures.

Locking mechanisms 123, 125 may be configured to keep rules 122 and 124in place during the measurement and hanging process. Screw 125 can betightened to secure outer rule 124 to the RUMT 2201, and screw 135 whichbe tightened to secure inner rule 122 to outer rule 124. One skilled inthe art may appreciate that different locking mechanisms may be used,wherein the locking mechanisms are configured to engage with slides 122and 124 to limit the linear movement of slides 122 and 124, anddisengage with slides 122 and 124 to allow the linear movement of slide122 and 124

The vertical self-alignment of the RUMT 2201 to the picture may useVertical Measuring Tool (VMT) 2140, which slides vertically along theback of the RUMT 2201 in the slot 130. The VMT 2140 and slot 130 areconfigured to hold VMT 2140 in the slot 130 without falling out, withfriction keeping VMT 2140 in place while determining measurements. TheVMT 2140 can be stored in the RUMT in slot 2146 when not in use. Ifnecessary, a locking mechanism such as screws 123 and 125 or some othermechanisms can be used to keep the VMT 2140 in place in the slots 130and 2140.

The RUMT 2201 may also include a level 150, which may be configured tothe level RUMT 2201 while the hanger 2202 is being attached to the wall.Subsequent to attaching the hanger 2202 to the wall, the RUMT 2201 maybe disconnected from the hanger 2202, and the RUMT 2201 may be reusedindefinitely with other hanger 2202.

The procedure for disconnecting the RUMT 2201 from the Hanger 2202 maybe to slide to the front right of RUMT 2201 enough that tail 2152 is inslot 2254 to the right of slot 252 and tail 151 is to the right of slot251 and is overhanging RUMT 2201. RUMT 2201 can then be liftedvertically away from Hanger 2202.

As depicted in FIG. 22, the RUMT 2201 can be connected to hanger 2202with the VMT 2140 in place along the vertical slot 130 in the RUMT 2201.The VMT 2140 can extend above and below the RUMT 2201 when in slot 145.Thus, to attach or to remove the RUMT 2201 from the hanger 2202, theRUMT 2201 with the VMT extending below it must freely slide to the leftor right without impediment. To enable this free movement slot 250 iscut into the back of RUMT 2201 to a depth of at least the depth of slot145 in the RUMT 2201 back. Thus, when VMT 140 is in slot 145 andextended below RUMT 2201, VMT 140 can move freely within slot 250 as theRUMT 2201 and hanger 2202 are connected or disconnected.

Hanger 2202 may be attached to the wall and support the picture. Theframe wire may be placed through the angled slots 2232 and 2231 in thevertical ends 2222 and 2221 of the Hanger respectively to support thepicture. Slots 2232 and 2231 can be angled approximately 30 to 45degrees or so from the vertical. A portion of hanger 2202 is cut outbetween the ends 2222 and 2221 to allow the picture hanging wire to flexand to be more easily strung over the slots 2232 and 2231. The hanger2202 can be attached to the wall using a variety of mechanisms. Inembodiments, nails can be accommodated in the nail holes 2244 and 2243that are formed through the hanger 2202 at an angle of approximately 30degrees down from the vertical so that the nails are pushed down andinto the wall by the weight of the frame. Such an arrangement is moresecure than driving nails perpendicularly to the wall. Alternatively,screws can attach the hanger 2202 to the wall and can be accommodated byscrew holes 2242 and 2241 in the hanger 2202 extend perpendicularlythrough the hanger 2202. To ensure a flat surface of the Hanger afterattaching it to the wall, the screw holes 242 and 241 can be countersunkto the front face of Hanger 2202. Nail holes 2244 and 2243 can be formedat different angles and placed at different positions relative to screwholes 2242 and 2241 in the face of Hanger 2202. Additionally more thantwo sets of nail and screw holes can be used to secure the hanger 2202to the wall.

FIG. 23 depicts the RUMT/Hanger 2300 horizontally aligned with the backof the picture 11. The conventional hanger wire 15 is located on theback 13 of the picture frame 12 and is secured to the frame withattachments 14. The VMT 130 slides vertically along the back of the RUMT2201 and extends below the RUMT/Hanger 2300. The edge of inner rule 122may be aligned to the right side of the frame.

FIG. 24 depicts the RUMT/Hanger 2300 after the hanging wire 15 has beenstrung over the angled slots 2232 and 2231 and the RUMT/Hanger 2300 islifted to provide tension in wire 15.

FIG. 25 depicts the RUMT/Hanger 2300 after the VMT 120 is pushed up toalign with the top of the picture thus aligning the RUMT/Hanger 2300vertically as well as horizontally with respect to the back of thepicture. When wire 15 is taut, marks may be positioned on a wall surfaceat the distal ends of VMT 130 and inner rule 122. These marks may beutilized to align RUMT/Hanger 2300 on a wall.

Next, in FIG. 26 the Hanger/RUMT 2300 is removed from the back of thepicture and is aligned to the horizontal 31 and vertical 21 marks on thewall or tape 20, 30 using the inner Slide 122 and the VMT 130 to guidethe placement of the Hanger/RUMT 2300. The built in level 150 in theRUMT 2600 enables a level placement of the Hanger 2610. Hanger 2610 maybe levelly coupled to a wall surface via orifices 241, 242, 243, and/or244.

FIG. 27 depicts the Hanger 2610 attached to the wall after the RUMT 2600has been decoupled from Hanger 2610 removed. Hanger 2610 may be coupledto the wall with nails, screws, sticky material, and/or any otherdesired coupled mechanism that will support the picture frame on thewall.

FIG. 28 depicts the picture frame with picture 10 hung on the Hanger2610 with the hanger wire 15 placed in the Hanger Wire Supports 710.Additionally, the picture frame is adjusted horizontally so that itsright side matches the vertical mark 31 in the horizontal direction andthe horizontal mark 20 in the vertical direction. The marks can beremoved cleanly from the wall by removing the sticky notes on which theywere placed.

FIG. 29 depicts a cross section of the reusable measuring tool 100.Inner Slide 122 may be extended fully to the right while the Outer Slide124 may be aligned fully to the Left on the reusable measuring tool 100.The detent 2910 in the Tab 2915 in the reusable measuring tool 100 bodyengages with the Tab 2920 on the end of the Outer Slide to hold theOuter Slide in place and aligned with the reusable measuring tool. Thisallows the Outer Slide 124 to be held in place in the reusable measuringtool 100 while the Inner Slide 122 moves to accommodate narrower pictureframes. The Stop 2925 on the back of the Inner Slide 122 buts up to theTab 2920 on the Outer Slide 124 and limits the travel of the Inner Slide122.

For wider Picture Frames, the Inner Slide 122 can be extended to theright with a bit more force which will enable the Outer Slide 122 topull past the Detent 2910 in the Tab 2915 in the reusable measuring tool100. Thus the Inner Slide 122 will pull the Outer Slide 124 to the rightto accommodate wider Picture Frames

FIG. 30 depicts a vertical measuring tool 3000 that is configured toenable positioning hanger wires over the grooves in hangers, when thehangers are coupled to a wall. When the hangers are positioned on thewall and a user tries to place the hanger wires over the hangers withthe frame, it may be cumbersome or awkward to position the hanger wireover the grooves in the hangers. In embodiments, one end of a verticalmeasuring tool may include a V shaped opened 3010 configured to enable auser to hold a frame and use the vertical measuring tool with the Vshaped opening 3010 to drape the hanger wire over one hanger, and thenmove to the other side of the vertical measuring tool and drape thehanger wire over the second hanger within having to insert the user'sarms or fingers between the frame and the hangers on the wall.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment“, anembodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particularfeature, structure or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one embodiment“,in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features,structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitablecombinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments orexamples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures providedherewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled inthe art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the flow diagrams illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s).

The invention claimed is:
 1. A hanging device comprising: a housingincluding a hanger stop and a hanger opening; a first slide coupled withthe housing; an integrated hanger being removably coupled with thehousing, the integrated hanger including an orifice extending throughthe integrated hanger, wherein when the integrated hanger is coupled tothe housing a first edge of the integrated hanger is positioned adjacentto the hanger stop and a second edge of the integrated hanger ispositioned adjacent to the hanger opening.
 2. The hanging device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a second slide positioned adjacent to thefirst slide, wherein the first slide and the second slide include afirst scale positioned on an upper surface of the first slide and thesecond slide, and a second scale positioned on a lower surface of thefirst slide and the second slide.
 3. The hanging device of claim 1,wherein the integrated hanger is configured to be coupled to a mountingsurface, when the integrated hanger is coupled to the mounting surfacethe integrated hanger is fixed in place.
 4. The hanging device of claim1, wherein the integrated hanger is configured to be decoupled from thehousing by linearly sliding the housing in a direction from the hangeropening towards the hanger stop.
 5. The hanging device of claim 1,further comprising: a vertical measuring tool configured to move in adirection perpendicular to the first slide.
 6. The hanging device ofclaim 1, wherein the integrated hanger includes a groove extending fromthe first edge to the second edge.
 7. The hanging device of claim 6,wherein the housing includes a slot and the groove is configured toprotrude through the slot.
 8. The hanging device of claim 1, wherein abottom edge of the integrated hanger is shorter than an upper edge ofthe integrated hanger.
 9. The hanging device of claim 1, wherein thehanger stop is configured to limit the movement of the integrated hangerin a first linear direction.
 10. The hanging device of claim 1, whereinthe hanger stop is positioned on a rear side of the housing and thefirst slide is positioned on a front side of the housing.
 11. A methodof hanging an item comprising: coupling a first slide with a housing,the housing including a hanger stop and a hanger opening; positioning afirst edge of an integrated hanger adjacent to the hanger stop and asecond edge of the integrated hanger adjacent to the hanger opening;fixing the integrated hanger in place; moving the housing in a lineardirection from the hanger opening towards the hanger stop to decouplethe integrated hanger from the housing.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising: positioning a second slide positioned adjacent tothe first slide, wherein the first slide and the second slide include afirst scale positioned on an upper surface of the first slide and thesecond slide, and positioning a second scale on a lower surface of thefirst slide and the second slide.
 13. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: fixing the integrated hanger in place by securing theintegrated hanger to a mounting surface.
 14. The method of claim 11,further comprising: moving a vertical measuring tool in a directionperpendicular to the first slide.
 15. The method of claim 11, whereinthe integrated hanger includes a groove extending from the first edge tothe second edge.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the housingincludes a slot and the groove is configured to protrude through theslot.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein a bottom edge of theintegrated hanger is shorter than an upper edge of the integratedhanger.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the hanger stop isconfigured to limit the movement of the integrated hanger in a firstlinear direction.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the hanger stop ispositioned on a rear side of the housing and the first slide ispositioned on a front side of the housing.
 20. A hanging devicecomprising: a housing including a hanger stop and a hanger opening; afirst slide coupled with the housing; a first integrated hanger beingremovably coupled to the housing, the first integrated hanger includingan orifice extending through the integrated hanger, wherein when thefirst integrated hanger is coupled to the housing a first edge of thefirst integrated hanger is positioned adjacent to the hanger stop and asecond edge of the first integrated hanger is positioned adjacent to thehanger opening; a second integrated hanger being removable coupled withthe housing, the first integrated hanger being positioned on a firstside of the housing and the second integrated hanger being positioned ona second side of the housing.